MODI BEST MAN TO LEAD NATION

The public is looking for a leader who is honest, works for development in his area and is approachable. A politician who falls short on these will be voted out.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had made headlines in all the newspapers and TV channels when he was elected as the State's Chief Minister for the third consecutive time. And since then, he has been high on a self-marketing strategy. He has been to several colleges giving speeches to the youth. The media too has played a role - it has given him plenty of time and declared him a national hero.

A three-time Chief Minister who is known to be honest and delivers what he says, Modi has made a place for himself as an iconic leader. The BJP is the second largest national party but in a bit of disarray because of not being in power at the moment. However, the party does want to take control once again. Chief Ministers like Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal have proved that the anti-incumbency factors didn't work against them. They came back to power after everyone had said they will not win the elections.

It is clear that the public will vote for the leader who is dependable and who works for the betterment of the society. The people want a leader who is not corrupt or arrogant and is secular in his actions. The minute the public comes in touch with a leader who has no time for them, he will be rejected immediately. Former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi in 1977 and former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi also had to face defeat because, many say, that they had become arrogant that no one could defeat them.

During the Assembly elections that were held in Uttar Pradesh last year, Priyanka Vadra had worked 24X7 in Rae Bareli and Amethi but the public was taken in by her sweet nature, concern and smooth talk because they realised that she only visited them just before the elections. The rest of the time, they had been left at the mercy of the local leaders who indulge in petty politics to survive.

If one really gives it a serious thought, it is the genuineness that wins the aam aadmi's trust and finally his vote. This touch has many names - development, availability and confidence builder. People want proper healthcare, good connectivity and colleges and schools.

But the high inflation means that the aam aadmi is busy trying to ensure two square meals for his family. This, in all probability, will go against the Congress in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. If Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit manages to win this coming Assembly election she will be the only one to give Modi a run for his money.

Both have done plenty of developmental work in their respective States. Dikshit's image will play in her favour while Modi's non-secular reputation will be a hindrance. The opposition within his own party is another roadblock The NDA partners will prove to be a problem too.

But the nation needs to understand that given the present situation, the country needs a leaders who can rule with an iron hand. It can be Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi or Modi or a Third Front leader but it has to be someone who is going to project himself as a firm administrator. Otherwise the country's future is not bright.

Modi's win in the State thrice doesn't mean that he the man for the job. But the fact that he has the backing of the entire business community and the youth works in his favour.